Remembrance Day, in some provinces, is considered a paid public (statutory) holiday, under Employment/Labour Standards legislation. There are various exemptions and considerations to take into account when it comes to Remembrance Day, as a statutory holiday.

Across Canada, Labour Day is a statutory (public) holiday that is observed on the first Monday in September. This year, Labour Day is September 5. Typically, employees are given Labour Day off with regular pay or public holiday pay (depending on the province or territory of employment). In the event employees are required to work on the holiday, the employee must be paid regular wages and get a substituted day off with pay at a later date (again, this depends on the province or territory of employment).

In most parts of Canada, the first Monday of August is recognized as a holiday. This year, the first Monday is August 1. Although most commonly referred to as “Civic Holiday”, the holiday is referred to differently across Canada. The name of the holiday is not the only thing that differs between the provinces and territories, the legal status of the holiday also varies. That is, in some provinces and territories, the first Monday in August is considered a statutory (public) holiday, while in others it is not.

Every July 1, Canadians commemorate their country’s birthday. Canada turns 149 this year! In all provinces and territories, Canada Day is a statutory (public) holiday. Typically, employees do get Canada Day off with regular pay or public holiday pay (depending on the province or territory of employment). In the event employees are required to work on the public holiday, the employee must be paid regular wages and get a substituted day off with pay at a later date (again, this depends on the province or territory of employment).

In Quebec, June 24 is “la Fête nationale”, the province’s official holiday and celebration of French Canadian culture. The festivities occur on June 23 and 24, and since 1978 are publicly financed and organized by the National Holiday Organizing Committee.

On June 21, the summer solstice, National Aboriginal Day is celebrated in Canada. This day of recognition and celebration was established, in cooperation with Indigenous organizations, to honour the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. While these three groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

Typically, employees do get Victoria Day off with regular pay or public holiday pay (depending on the province or territory of employment). In the event employees are required to work on the statutory holiday, the employee must be paid regular wages and get a substituted day off, with pay, at a later date (again, this depends on the province or territory of employment).

Good Friday, observed on March 25, 2016, is a Christian religious and statutory holiday recognized across Canada. Easter Sunday, observed on March 27, 2016, is a Christian religious holiday as well as a retail holiday, in some provinces and territories.

Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan have recognized Family Day as a public (statutory) holiday and allow employees to get the day off with pay (if eligible). All of the above mentioned provinces (excluding British Columbia) celebrate Family Day on the third Monday in February each year. In 2016, Monday, February 15 has been deemed Family Day.

The holiday season is often the happiest time of the year, because of time spent with family, gifts and many other things. However, it can also be the most stressful time of the year, especially at work. Deadlines are often tight because of shifting schedules, customers and workloads can be more demanding, and there may be pressure to increase performance to meet end-of-year business goals. Family demands, travel and employment standards public holiday (statutory holiday/general holiday) requirements can also take a toll. Management should not forget what employees are entitled to, and their responsibilities, under the law regarding time off during the holidays. Here is a brief summary:

The campaign to have Remembrance Day declared a national public (statutory) holiday in Canada without removing any existing public holiday is ongoing, and according to our recent HRinfodesk poll poll and comments received, many are of the opinion that it should.

This year, Labour Day falls on Monday September 7, 2015. All provinces and territories in Canada observe this public holiday. Government bodies and agencies as well as many businesses are closed on Labour Day.

This year, the first Monday in August, also called Civic Holiday, among other names, depending on the province or territory, falls on Monday, August 3. The first Monday of August is a general holiday for employees in many parts of Canada. It is a public (statutory) holiday in some provinces and territories, but in others it has different legal status. It is often called the “August Holiday,” “Civic Holiday,” “Simcoe Day” (around Ontario), “Provincial Day,” “Heritage Day,” “Natal Day” or other local names.